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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7237 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: FQM
Awhile back I asked Eric at Sullivan for a sample of a FF Roasted bridge when it was completed. I received it a couple of days ago. I waited for it to settle in before I reported my findings. First of all, I used the Sullivan's Roasted Maple bridge as my base for comparisons. I like that bridge very much. Then I removed and replaced both bridges a few times during my picking. This is to get tonal memories implanted in my dulling brain! As many of you recall, there were quite a bit of high praises for the Roasted Maple. Inputs included higher volume and real clarity up the neck. Also, a good 4th string. Well, after playing the heck out of my banjo the last few days and carefully listening to the differences........The new Sullivan Factory Floor bridge is ALL of that plus! After almost two days the difference became very apparent. On my banjo I heard wonderful harmonics (complex) that really was a joy to hear on the first 3 strings. The FF bridge had a bit more sustain and less dryer than the Maple Roasted bridge. The increased chiming is a great sound. The depth of the good harmonics was not harsh...but audible enough to be a major difference between the two bridges. It is amazing to me that types of wood and if they were subjected to vibrations in flooring or a piano can create so many different tonalities. I must have two dozen or more bridges ......each and everyone seem to act differently on my banjo. I guess that's why I have so many! I am always looking for positive changes in the tonality spectrum. Some are unimpressive ..while others are keepers. The Sullivan FF Roasted bridge is a keeper. Not all bridges are THE ONE, because not all deliver the ENTIRE spectrum of satisfaction! I have a few wonderful bridges that give me many of the attributes that I look for. I can use anyone of them and be a happy camper. The new Sullivan Roasted Factory Floor bridge gives my banjo a sound that is fun to hear and enjoy, let alone wanting to play more!
I believe Eric at Sullivan has another solid product to add to the Sullivan name! I would recommend this bridge to anyone who likes the Roasted sound as mentioned on BHO threads.
The reason for not having a 10 is that I believe there to many 10's given when the product seems that it beats one's expectations. I have learned that as products evolve or a new spin is put onto an old product, to many of us, including yours truly are anxious to put down a 10! A 10 to me is a product that is truly an impact item with the best performance in it's class. There are many good bridges and giving a "9" to Sullivan's new Roasted Factory Bridge means that it is one of the best bridges for tonality and the criteria usually sought after in a bridge. Well done Eric...great product!
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Steve Davis
This is an acrylic device for measuring head tension. I was a bit taken back when I opened the box to see a VERY simplistic tool. I thought to myself, "How is this going to do the job?" Let me tell you, this is simplicity at its best! The tool looks like an extremely long bridge. It is labeled "T" and "N" on each end (with an extruding leg at these points) , indicating Tail piece and Neck. You really can't get it wrong unless you tried. Also ,the letter "B" is scrolled near the Tail Piece end (with an extruded point) signifying Bridge . All you have to do is line up the " B" next to the bridge, and the tool parallel to the neck. With no directions included, I new exactly how to place it. Easy. No coins needed! . This gauge is set to G# if all three legs are touching the head. A 1/4 of a turn either way on the hook nuts will give you an " A" or a "G". My banjo head is set to an "A". So, when the tool was placed on my drum head I noticed the back leg was barely off the head. Barely room to put a piece of paper between. The G# gauge was right on!!! No guessing on how many coins you need. Keep the change!
I would highly recommend the Davis Drum Head Tension Gauge to anyone who wants a simple,quick and accurate way in measuring banjo head tension.. Fits very easily in a banjo case accessory compartment.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Amazon.com
I really like this Capo. I can put it on and not worry about being sharp. Clear, crisp sound. In my opinion, it is better that my Paige of which I have had for 3 years. It is easy to use and you can store it on the nut. Like my Paige, it can be used up the neck also. One of the interesting features is that the depth ot the unit is much smaller than the Paige.The capo under the neck does not protrude from the bottom of the neck as much as a Paige type capo. The tightening screw is located at an angle and is not as long as others, so I don't bump into the capo as much under the neck(when playing at the capo). Very light and well padded for the neck . It is quite amazing to play without having to tune or re tune. Very good quality. Looks like I found my "primary" capo!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: December 2012
I receive this hard maple bridge for free as my name was picked out of a hat. I had another bridge already on which is very good! However, I switched it with the hard maple bridge not expecting to advance the nice tone I already had, but, I was wrong. After installing Randall's bridge I tuned it up a bit ...and the sound became a bit more crisper and added some more vibrations to the neck. I now have two extremely good bridges out of a bunch of highly regarded name brand bridges which are collecting dust. The Randall Wyatt hard maple bridge added a bit more pop/ tone that I was looking for on my banjo. Very good product and I highly recommend it!
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: March 15 2012
In reading many BHO posts on rims I ran into some good reviews on Wyatt's beech rims. One luthier said it had the presence of an 800 pound gorilla. Well, I was about to buy a Cox rim, which very good, but, I decided to think outside the box and try a Wyatt Euro Beech rim with the new TN 20 Tone ring. Well after a couple of days for settling and playing time, I picked up the banjo again and found a new growl my Gold Star never had before. Yes, the tone ring helped a lot, but, the new Wyatt Beech rim really married to ring and gave the combo that gorrilla presence. I read alot about block rims. There is a good one out there made by Tony Pass, but , way out of my financial range. I can tell you with out a doubt that the Wyatt Beech block rim enhaced the tone and married up very well with the tone ring and is affordable. I am extremely happy with the TN 20 and Wyatt Beech rim! It's a marriage made in Heaven. Randall Wyatt has been very helpful. His rim making abilities are solid . And, combined with his very knowlegeable rim manufacturing techniques, his rim products are sure to be a winner.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: March 15, 2012
Very musical tone ring. When mated to a good rim such a Wyatt Beech rim it rings like a bell all the way up the neck with excellant clarity! Up the neck tone is very melodic and musical. I am now playing more up the neck than I have in the past. Strumming a "G" chord up the neck sounds like a harp. As many have stated on the BHO, the bass response is one of the fine features of this tone ring. After a few days playing my banjo and giving it a little time to settler in, the 4th string had a great growl which I have been seeking. You can't go wrong with the TN 20 tone ring. I am extremely happy with this ring and the Wyatt Beech rim which to me is a marriage made in Heaven!
Overall Rating: 10
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